What is college without fraternities?

College, where the lives of stressed young adults get an education, where endless amounts of money is spent, and where recently departed high-school students exhibit freedom after 12 years of school restrictions. Resulting in routine studying and a constant lack of sleep, students look forward to renowned parties to be thrown to balance the ratio fun/stress. College parties are the epitome of freedom and fun, and should not be taken away for the sake of protecting students’ social lives.

In the beginning of November, Florida State University President John Thrasher announced a ban on all Greek life organizations after the death of a freshman who attended a fraternity party. Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, was found unresponsive at 10:25 a.m. the morning  after the party. After several investigations, it was concluded that Coffey was a victim of drug trafficking from a Phi Delta Theta brother Garrett John Marcy, who was later arrested and pressed with charges.

This upsetting event occurred in a way that should not affect everyone of Greek organizations; I believe the ban of Greek life will later have its downsides. It is agreed that students should begin to realize their limits by understanding the bad scenarios that could occur, but banning what keeps students socially alive is not morally right.

There are many benefits beyond the fun in fraternities and sororities, such as academic support, leadership experience, career opportunities, social networking, and more. These assets give more reason to not eliminate Greek life. According to wbur.org, fraternities and sororities lead to greater happiness and more school involvement, allowing a better chance of succeeding. These facts are among the many reasons why Thrasher should reconsider his decision.

Greek life should not be taken away due to its social benefits, academic benefits, and stress relief; it’s a lifestyle that shouldn’t be deprived from students. Greek organizations allow students to let loose in a way that does not lead to binging and alcoholism and teaches college kids a new meaning of social communication.